IT News
Imphal, Aug 30:
Frequent flooding in the valley areas, particularly in Bishnupur, Kakching, and Imphal West, has caused severe distress to fish farmers and agriculturists. A team of reporters visiting these regions observed extensive flooding across several agricultural areas.
The repeated flooding has resulted in significant crop loss and has led to fish escaping from farms, intensifying the challenges faced by farmers. Organizations working to support fish farmers are also struggling under the strain of these events.
Speaking to mediapersons, Nameirakpam Chandrahas, President of the Integrated Pisciculture cum Livestock Farming Co-operative Societies Limited, Thinungei, Bishnupur District, highlighted the seriousness of the situation and explained that loans had been taken from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) with the assistance of the Department of Cooperation to support fish farming. The income generated from selling the fish was intended to repay these loans. However, the frequent flooding and resulting loss of fish have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to meet their financial obligations. Chandrahas appealed to the relevant authorities and the NCDC to consider waiving the loans.
A. Mangishore, Secretary of The Moirang Part(1) Educated Unemployed Pisciculture Cooperative Society Limited, Chingnungsoy Keipha Road, Moirang, Bishnupur District, expressed that arrangements had been made to repay the loans in October, as instructed by the NCDC. However, due to the recent floods, instead of generating revenue, farmers are now saddled with loans amounting to crores of rupees. Mangishore urged the NCDC and the concerned authorities to provide assistance to the farmers during this difficult time.
Salam Joy, Secretary of The Progressive Paddy cum Pisciculture Farming Co-operative Society Limited, Kakching District, speaking to the mediapersons said fish farms in Pumlen Pat and Arong remain submerged in floodwaters. The revenue from fish sales was supposed to be used to repay loans taken from the NCDC, but the recent flooding has made this impossible, leaving farmers in despair.
